Letters to the Editor

“Illegal immigrants do not have the right to vote in federal, local or state elections, nor should they have the right to be counted when the federal government allocates funds to states based on population counts.” - Ricci Ballesteros

More than 80 years after King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry a divorced American, a divorced biracial American actress — the descendant of slaves — married a British royal in a remarkable tapestry of change woven into tradition.

Throughout history, citizens have staged protests, sit-ins and walkouts to send a message. If our kids are being shot while they are in school, then I propose that not being in a school building is the best solution for keeping them safe.

“As for Attorney General Josh Hawley, I would not vote for him as dog catcher, much less as a U.S. senator. He jumped in the middle of this trying to make a name for himself, and I feel that he did.” - Gerald T. (Tom) Melton, Doniphan, Mo.

Your suggestion that Syed Jamal was in some way treated unfairly is not true. This man lived and worked in the United States for 30 years, received a visa and several extensions, and had more than enough time to apply for citizenship.

The downtown airport New Richards Field was renamed twice — first as Kansas City Municipal Airport and then as Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport. There was no real confusion, just a few traffic signs updated to direct us to it.

If this funding crisis is not fixed, our most medically vulnerable citizens will have reduced access to the critical care they need. As the administrator of Monterey Park Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, this saddens and alarms me.

When other types of insurance were permitted to cross state lines, we saw an immediate drop in costs. Why should health insurance companies be permitted to hide behind state lines shielded from the competitive marketplace?

“As a veterinarian, I know there is no easy answer to what should be done with horses that are no longer considered useful or of value, except to mitigate the pain they may suffer during their remaining life.” - Mohammad Abdullah

Mix talks darkly about the evil “big labor” and its selfishness and greed. There is no more big labor, thanks to unremitting attacks on organized labor by Republicans in the deep South and in hard-right Midwestern states.

Faith-based agencies may have the right to limit adoption to their faith. But when a faith-based agency will not place a child for adoption with parents of that same religious group, then I see bias and persecution.

The United States did not withdraw from the multinational Iran agreement. This country is violating the terms of the deal based on the whims of a leader who has not shown the ability to form a consistent and coherent policy.

She’s spent more than 30 years in posts the world over protecting the American people. She’s been loyal, smart, and a leader with universal admiration from her agency colleagues — the majority of whom cheer her ascendancy.

“But the bottom line is when it comes to forcing the FBI and Justice Department to uncover evidence that may potentially put Hillary Clinton in a bad light, expect lots and lots of name- calling.” - Kevin Wood, Leawood

Social Security does not include inflation costs on food and gasoline in yearly cost-of-living increases — too volatile officials say. This tax also harms the poor. People with lower incomes do not have the means to afford these immoral taxes.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt would not go beyond a strong verbal condemnation of Germany. Roosevelt issued pious words, but took no forceful action. He recalled his appointed U.S. ambassador … but did not break diplomatic relations.

Every time you buy something, you’re voting for how you want your store shelves to be stocked. Do you really want them to be filled with products that resulted in the clear cut of forests? You, as the consumer, have the power.

“Perhaps there’s really more to “Westport” than the four square blocks of bars and restaurants. Perhaps those of us who actually live there are looking forward to easier, faster transportation, both north and south.” - Jane Gilbreath

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The Star's Editorial Board

Crossroads Academy high school students plan to travel to the Global Solutions Lab next month and share ideas for solving some of the world's most pressing issues at the United Nations in New York City.